Is Organized Christianity a racket?

[ChristineM]

They hold raffles and play bingo.

If they make a profit from it then they should be taxed

 

[Wildswanderer]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

It depends what they do with the " extra" money. The pastor and others deserve a fair wage. They should not be getting rich off the people in the pews however.

If the extra money is used for evangelizing or helping people then they are doing what they claim and I have no issues with the church.

 

[Twilight Hue]

If they make a profit from it then they should be taxed

There should be a stipulation as to where the money goes and nowhere else.

 

[Twilight Hue]

I see no issue with any sacred temple accepting “tithes” and donations from their worshippers to strengthen it, enhance the experience and see it grow. I don’t care if it’s a cathedral or a mosque, or a pyramid or a ziggurat. I would see more of them.

Of course within reason.

65 million dollar jet tax free.

36 million dollar mansion tax free.

 

[Sand Dancer]

It depends what they do with the " extra" money. The pastor and others deserve a fair wage. They should not be getting rich off the people in the pews however.

If the extra money is used for evangelizing or helping people then they are doing what they claim and I have no issues with the church.

I personally don't think they should get paid. LDS don't have paid pastors. People get up and speak on different subjects in their scripture. It frees up money to do more good in the community.

 

[robocop (actually)]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

In the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, the top 15 get 5 figures for travel and devotion. Every other leadership position is done for free.

And we've never had a financial scandal.

 

[paarsurrey]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

What about the creeds that Paul, his associates and the Church made/invented in the later centuries, after when Paul faked a vision on road to Damascus, please? Right?

Regards

 

[paarsurrey]

In the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints, the top 15 get 5 figures for travel and devotion. Every other leadership position is done for free.

And we've never had a financial scandal.

except that, please don't mind, the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints have amassed fund of Billions of Dollars* from its members for welcoming Second Coming. Since the Second Coming has already taken place (1838-1908), so the money is to be spent on welcoming him instead of hoarding it, as I understand, please. Right?

Regards
___________
*"Mormon Church Reportedly Amassed $100 Billion Fund For ‘Second Coming Of Christ’ "
Mormon Church Reportedly Amassed $100 Billion Fund For ‘Second Coming Of Christ’

 

[Subduction Zone]

Of course within reason.

65 million dollar jet tax free.

36 million dollar mansion tax free.

Sounds reasonable to me. Now I just need to get some followers.

 

[idea]

I personally don't think they should get paid. LDS don't have paid pastors. People get up and speak on different subjects in their scripture. It frees up money to do more good in the community.

LDS are the worst when it comes to charity - 16 million members, do the math, only $1 or$2 donated per person goes to charity while most families pay tens of thousands each year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/inve...619bd2-2004-11ea-86f3-3b5019d451db_story.html

Currently loosing billions - guess it wasn't wisely invested
LDS Church loses billions on stocks. See how much and how it did compared to the Dow.

 

[Subduction Zone]

LDS are the worst when it comes to charity - 16 million members, do the math, only $1 or$2 donated per person goes to charity while most families pay tens of thousands each year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/inve...619bd2-2004-11ea-86f3-3b5019d451db_story.html

Currently loosing billions - guess it wasn't wisely invested
LDS Church loses billions on stocks. See how much and how it did compared to the Dow.

I can't read the article. The stock market declined for almost everyone, but I can't see if they did better or worse than average.

 

[idea]

except that, please don't mind, the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints have amassed fund of Billions of Dollars* from its members for welcoming Second Coming. Since the Second Coming has already taken place (1838-1908), so the money is to be spent on welcoming him instead of hoarding it, as I understand, please. Right?

Regards
___________
*"Mormon Church Reportedly Amassed $100 Billion Fund For ‘Second Coming Of Christ’ "
Mormon Church Reportedly Amassed $100 Billion Fund For ‘Second Coming Of Christ’

It was more like $120 billion, but they lost it in stocks.

Also, don't trust their claimed "charity", they volunteer with red cross and other organizations, then claim everything came from them when supplies were NOT from them. Also missions are *not* charity, its advertising. LDS fails to provide any backup for any of the purported numbers that are provided.

 

[idea]

I can't read the article. The stock market declined for almost everyone, but I can't see if they did better or worse than average.

They lost $49.2 billion, were up to $120billion at one point. Ouch!

 

[Subduction Zone]

They lost $49.2 billion, were up to $120billion at one point. Ouch!

Definitely ouch! That is almost equal to my retirement savings

 

[idea]

Definitely ouch! That is almost equal to my retirement savings

Reading it, only US investments are shown - lds was down 6%, while average was down 4.6. Stock is all over the place, gambling.

 

[Clara Tea]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

Theists believe without proof, and that makes them perfect patsies for voting for Satanic agendas (wars, torture camps, lies, greed, environmental damage to destroy God's creations). It never occurred to the perfect patsies that they support Satan, not God.

Most charities give nothing to the poor, homeless, and sick.

Ray Kroc (owner of much of McDonalds) donated hugely to the Salvation Army, so they built a huge skyscraper to house their administration in air conditioned luxury, rather than feeding the homeless (sure they still feed people who pray to their God using their bible).

Reverend Joel Olsteen just bought a multi-million dollar private jet.

Televangelists spend most of their time begging for donations, with the promise that God will send them back 10 times the money (somehow)....yet it never comes.

There are two ways to view the homeless. . . as the Religious Right do:

1. Stealing little girl's bicycles

2. Breaking car windows and stealing possessions.

3. Prying open garage doors and house doors (when owners are not home) and stealing everything they've got while they are out working at their jobs.

4. Refusing to work for money, since it is far easier to beg for money or steal.

Or, we could view it as good hearted theists do:

1. The poor waifs lost their homes.

2. They are good people, but hungry.

3. They were dumped by a boyfriend (father of their child), who found a prettier girlfriend (or one not burdened with his child).

Frankly, I see both sides of this issue. I think that everyone is right.

 

[robocop (actually)]

except that, please don't mind, the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints have amassed fund of Billions of Dollars* from its members for welcoming Second Coming. Since the Second Coming has already taken place (1838-1908), so the money is to be spent on welcoming him instead of hoarding it, as I understand, please. Right?

Regards
___________
*"Mormon Church Reportedly Amassed $100 Billion Fund For ‘Second Coming Of Christ’ "
Mormon Church Reportedly Amassed $100 Billion Fund For ‘Second Coming Of Christ’

That is incorrect.

The second coming hasn't happened yet.

Basically, evil and good will become more divided and we're saving up to help defend the good from the evil. If you don't think evil and good can get more divided, Idk maybe read the news. Saving for a rainy day.

This is not an official answer.

 

[Daemon Sophic]

….
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

 

[robocop (actually)]

LDS are the worst when it comes to charity - 16 million members, do the math, only $1 or$2 donated per person goes to charity while most families pay tens of thousands each year.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/inve...619bd2-2004-11ea-86f3-3b5019d451db_story.html

Currently loosing billions - guess it wasn't wisely invested
LDS Church loses billions on stocks. See how much and how it did compared to the Dow.

The church has given billions to charity regardless of religion.

 

[blü 2]

At least from my experience in the States.
I was born into church. In my early teens, I surrendered to become a missionary at my church. They got me started in Bible College, did a semester of that.
But I lost heart.
You see... I realized that church was a giant racket!
There are more churches in town that are more flagrant with their wealth. Churches where they charge kids for attending Sunday school or else they are kicked out. That church I’m thinking of didn’t even let my grandma park in their parking lot because her car was old and beat up. I’m not kidding.
Anyways back to my old church.
First, I saw that everyone was on a payroll. The pastor, assistants, secretary, deacons, they were all paid by the cash collected by the tithe. Pastor would dedicate whole sundays to preaching about tithing, wagging his finger at us telling us we need to give more. Pastor had a nice car, perhaps he was behind on payments.
Then, I found out that my little Baptist church was part of a large organization of churches. We received funding from them, as long as we agreed to their doctrine. I’m not sure on all the fine details, but my church wasn’t in charge really.
Anyways, after my semester of Bible college, I saw that Christian churches in America were set up like businesses. They have financial goals they have to meet. Quarterlies. People in the pews are the customers, and the product is a bunch of horse caca if I say so meself. I was disheartened and left Bible college. Eventually left church altogether.
I don’t think that Christians should be obligated to give 10% of their income to church. The Bible says give it to God, so, is church God? No!
Give your money to charity instead. Hell maybe charity is a racket too idk but I know for sure church is.
Church just wants your money. They are a business in the field of racketeering. They sell you snake oil, and declare that God has said to give them ten percent of your income.
Do you agree that organized Christianity is a scam for your money? Churches are definitely set up like that imo.

Yes, many churches are much as you say. But here and there are examples of decency. As I understand it, the Quakers are still largely in good repute, for example.